Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge and image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a conductive support and a photosensitive layer disposed on the conductive support, wherein the photosensitive layer comprises a silicon compound-containing layer containing a silicon compound, and the silicon compound-containing layer further contains a resin, and wherein the photosensitive layer has a peak area in the region of −40 to 0 ppm (S 1 ) and a peak area in the region of −100 to −50 ppm (S 2 ) in a  29 Si-NMR spectrum satisfying the following equation (1):
 
S 1 /(S 1 +S 2 )≧0.5.  (1)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor, aprocess cartridge and an image forming apparatus.

RELATED ART OF THE INVENTION

In image forming apparatus such as copiers, printers and facsimiles,electrophotographic systems in which charging, exposure, development,transfer, etc. are carried out using electrophotographic photoreceptorshave been widely employed. In such image forming apparatus, demands forspeeding up of image formation processes, improvement in image quality,miniaturization and prolonged life of the apparatus, reduction inproduction cost and running cost, etc. are increasingly glowing.Further, with recent advances in computers and communication technology,digital systems and color image output systems have been applied also tothe image forming apparatus.

In view of such a background, improvement in electrophotographicproperties and durability, miniaturization, reduction in cost, etc. inelectrophotographic photoreceptors have been studied, andelectrophotographic photoreceptors using various materials have beenproposed.

For example, JP-A-63-65449 (the term “JP-A” as used herein means an“unexamined published Japanese patent application”) discloses anelectrophotographic photoreceptor in which fine silicone particles areadded to a photosensitive layer, and also discloses that such additionof the fine silicone particles imparts lubricity to a surface of thephotoreceptor.

Further, in forming a photosensitive layer, a method has been proposedin which a charge transfer substance is dispersed in a binder polymer ora polymer precursor thereof, and then the binder polymer or the polymerprecursor thereof is cured. JP-B-5-47104 (the term “JP-B” as used hereinmeans an “examined Japanese patent publication”) and JP-B-60-22347disclose electrophotographic photoreceptors using silicone materials asthe binder polymers or the polymer precursors thereof.

Furthermore, in order to improve mechanical strength of theelectrophotographic photoreceptor, a protective layer is formed on thesurface of the photosensitive layer in some cases. A crosslinkable resinis used as a material for the protective layer in many cases. However,the protective layer formed by the crosslinkable resin acts as aninsulating layer, which impairs the photoelectric characteristics of thephotoreceptor. For this reason, a method of dispersing a fine conductivemetal oxide powder (JP-A-57-128344) or a charge transfer substance(JP-A-4-15659) in the protective layer and a method of reacting a chargetransfer substance having a reactive functional group with athermoplastic resin to form the protective layer have been proposed.

However, even the above-mentioned conventional electrophotographicphotoreceptor is not necessarily sufficient in electrophotographiccharacteristics and durability, particularly when it is used incombination with a charger of the contact charging system (contactcharger) or a cleaning apparatus such as a cleaning blade.

Further, when the photoreceptor is used in combination with the contactcharger and a toner obtained by chemical polymerization (polymerizationtoner), a surface of the photoreceptor is stained with a dischargeproduct produced in contact charging or the polymerization tonerremaining after a transfer step to deteriorate image quality in somecases. Still further, the use of the cleaning blade in order to removethe discharge product adhered to the surface of the photoreceptor or theremaining toner increases friction and abrasion between the surface ofthe photoreceptor and the cleaning blade, resulting in a tendency tocause damage of the surface of the photoreceptor, breakage of the bladeor turning up of the blade.

Furthermore, in producing the electrophotographic photoreceptor, inaddition to improvement in electrophotographic characteristics anddurability, it becomes an important problem to reduce production cost.However, in the case of the conventional electrophotographicphotoreceptor, the problem is encountered that coating defects such asorange peel appearances and hard spots are liable to occur.

On the other hand, the present inventors discovered that the use ofcharge transfer substances having hydrolytic silyl groups improveselectrophotographic characteristics and durability, and have disclosedelectrophotographic photoreceptors using them in JP-A-11-38656,JP-A-11-184106 and JP-A-11-316468. The inventors have further disclosedan electrophotographic photoreceptor in which a reactive siloxane oil isallowed to exist in a film and an electrophotographic photoreceptorusing a fluorine coupling agent or PTFE, in JP-A-10-251277 andJP-A-11-38656, respectively. However, there has been room for furtherimprovement in electrophotographic characteristics and durability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention has been made in view of the problems of theabove-mentioned related art.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide anelectrophotographic photoreceptor which is sufficiently high in stainresistance against a developing agent, a discharge product, etc. and indurability against a contact charger, a cleaning blade, etc., andfurther, which can prevent the occurrence of coating defects in theproduction thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process cartridge and animage forming apparatus which can provide good image quality for a longperiod of time.

Other objects and effects of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing description.

The above-described objects of the invention have been achieved byproviding:

an electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a conductive support anda photosensitive layer disposed on the conductive support,

wherein the photosensitive layer comprises a silicon compound-containinglayer containing a silicon compound, and the silicon compound-containinglayer further contains a resin, and

wherein the photosensitive layer has a peak area in the region of −40 to0 ppm (S₁) and a peak area in the region of −100 to −50 ppm (S₂) in a²⁹Si-NMR spectrum satisfying the following equation (1):S₁/(S₁+S₂)≧0.5  (1).

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention, thephotosensitive layer comprises a silicon compound-containing layer, andthe silicon compound-containing layer further contains the resin tocause a peak area in the region of −40 to 0 ppm and a peak area in theregion of −100 to −50 ppm in a ²⁹Si-NMR spectrum to satisfy theabove-shown equation (1), thereby enhancing discharge gas resistance,mechanical strength, scratch resistance, particle dispersibility, etc.It becomes therefore possible to sufficiently improve the stainresistance against the developing agent, the discharge product, etc. andthe durability against the contact charger, the cleaning blade, etc.Further, the above-mentioned constitution of the photosensitive layermakes it possible to prevent the occurrence of coating defects, becausethe viscosity control of a coating solution in the production becomeseasy, and the pot life can be sufficiently prolonged.

Further, the process cartridge of the invention comprises theabove-mentioned electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention, andat least one of: a developing unit for developing an electrostaticlatent image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor to form atoner image; and a cleaning unit for removing toner remaining on theelectrophotographic photoreceptor after transfer of the toner image.

Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the invention comprises theabove-mentioned electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention, acharging unit for charging the electrophotographic photoreceptor, anexposing unit for exposing the charged electrophotographic photoreceptorto form an electrostatic latent image, a developing unit for developingthe electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, a transfer unitfor transferring the toner image to a medium to which the toner image isto be transferred, and a cleaning unit for removing toner remaining onthe electrophotographic photoreceptor after transfer of the toner image.

The process cartridge and the image forming apparatus which can providegood image quality for a long period of time becomes feasible by usingthe electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention as describedabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view showing a preferredembodiment of an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of an imageforming apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing another preferred embodiment of animage forming apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a ²⁹SI-NMR spectrum of the electrophotographicphotoreceptor obtained in Example 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail belowwith reference to drawings in some cases. In the drawings, the samereference numerals and signs are used to designate the same orcorresponding parts, and repeated descriptions are avoided.

Electrophotographic Photoreceptor

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention, thephotosensitive layer comprises a silicon compound-containing layer, andthe silicon compound-containing layer further contains the resin.

The resin is preferably a resin soluble in a liquid component in acoating solution used for formation of this layer.

The resin soluble in the liquid component is appropriately selecteddepending on the kind of liquid component. For example, when the coatingsolution contains an alcoholic solvent (such as methanol, ethanol orbutanol), a polyvinyl acetal resin such as a polyvinyl butyral resin, apolyvinyl formal resin or a partially acetalized polyvinyl acetal resinin which butyral is partially modified with formal or acetoacetal, apolyamide resin, a cellulose resin such as ethyl cellulose and a phenolresin are available as the alcohol-soluble resins. These resins may beused either alone or as a combination of two or more of them. Of theabove-mentioned resins, the polyvinyl acetal resin is preferred in termsof electric characteristics.

The weight-average molecular weight of the resin soluble in the liquidcomponent is preferably from 2,000 to 1,000,000, and more preferablyfrom 5,000 to 50,000. When the average molecular weight is less than2,000, the effect of enhancing discharge gas resistance, mechanicalstrength, scratch resistance, particle dispersibility, etc. tends tobecome insufficient. On the other hand, when the average molecularweight exceeds 1,000,000, the solubility of the resin in the coatingsolution decreases, thereby being liable to limit the amount thereofadded and to contribute poor film formation in the production of thephotosensitive layer.

Further, the amount of the resin soluble in the liquid component ispreferably from 0.1 to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 0.5 to10% by weight, based on the total amount of the coating solution. Whenthe amount added is less than 0.1% by weight, the effect of enhancingdischarge gas resistance, mechanical strength, scratch resistance,particle dispersibility, etc. tends to become insufficient. On the otherhand, exceeding 15% by weight results in a tendency to cause anindistinct image when the electrophotographic photoreceptor of theinvention is used at high temperature and high humidity.

There is no particular limitation on the silicon compound used in theinvention, as long as it has at least one silicon atom. However, acompound having two or more silicon atoms in its molecule is preferablyused. The use of the compound having two or more silicon atoms in itsmolecule allows both the strength and image quality of theelectrophotographic photoreceptor to be achieved at higher levels.

In the invention, at least one member selected from silicon-containingcompounds represented by the following general formulas (2) to (4) andhydrolysates or hydrolytic condensates thereof is preferably used.W¹(—SiR_(3−a)Q_(a))₂  (2)W²(-D-SiR_(3−a)Q_(a))_(b)  (3)SiR_(4−c)Q_(c)  (4)

In general formulas (2) to (4), W¹ represents a divalent organic group,W² represents an organic group derived from a compound having holetransport capability, R represents a member selected from the groupconsisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and a substituted orunsubstituted aryl group, Q represents a hydrolytic group, D representsa divalent group, a represents an integer of 1 to 3, b represents aninteger of 2 to 4, and c represents an integer of 1 to 4.

R in general formulas (2) to (4) represents a hydrogen atom, an alkylgroup (preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms) or asubstituted or unsubstituted aryl group (preferably a substituted orunsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms), as describedabove.

Further, the hydrolytic group represented by Q in general formulas (2)to (4) means a functional group which can form a siloxane bond (O—Si—O)by hydrolysis in the curing reaction of the compound represented by anyone of general formulas (2) to (4). Preferred specific examples of thehydrolytic groups used in the invention include a hydroxyl group, analkoxyl group, a methyl ethyl ketoxime group, a diethylamino group, anacetoxy group, a propenoxy group and a chloro group. Of these, a grouprepresented by —OR″ (R″ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbonatoms or a trimethylsilyl group) is more preferred.

In general formula (3), the divalent group represented by D ispreferably a divalent hydrocarbon group represented by —C_(n)H_(2n)—,—C_(n)H_(2n−2)—, —C_(n)H_(2n−4)— (n is an integer of 1 to 15, andpreferably an integer of 2 to 10), —CH₂—C₆H₄— or —C₆H₄—C₆H₄—, anoxycarbonyl group (—COO—), a thio group (—S—), an oxy group (—O—), anisocyano group (—N═CH—) or a divalent group in which two or more of themare combined. The divalent group may have a substituent group such as analkyl group, a phenyl group, an alkoxyl group or an amino group on itsside chain. When D is the above-mentioned preferred divalent group,proper flexibility is imparted to an organic silicate skeleton, therebytending to improve the strength of the layer.

Preferred examples of the compounds represented by the above-mentionedgeneral formula (2) are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 No. Structural Formula III-1 (MeO)₃Si—(CH₂)₂—Si(OMe)₃ III-2(MeO)₂Me—(CH₂)₂—SiMe(OMe)₂ III-3 (MeO)₂MeSi—(CH₂)₆—SiMe(OMe)₂ III-4(MeO)₃Si—(CH₂)₆—Si(OMe)₃ III-5 (EtO)₃Si—(CH₂)₆—Si(OEt)₃ III-6(MeO)₂MeSi—(CH₂)₁₀—SiMe(OMe)₂ III-7 (MeO)₃Si—(CH₂)₃—NH—(CH₂)₃—Si(OMe)₃III-8 (MeO)₃Si—(CH2)₃—NH—(CH₂)₂—NH—(CH₂)₃—Si(OMe)₃ III-9

 III-10

 III-11

 III-12

 III-13

 III-14

 III-15 (MeO)₃SiC₃H₆—O—CH₂CH{—O—C₃H₆Si(OMe)₃}—CH₂{—O—C₃H₆Si(OMe)₃} III-16 (MeO)₃SiC₂H₄—SiMe₂—O—SiMe₂—O—SiMe₂—C₂H₄Si(OMe)₃

Further, in the above-mentioned general formula (3), there is noparticular limitation on the organic group represented by W², as long asit is a group having hole transport capability. However, it ispreferably an organic group represented by the following general formula(6):

wherein Ar¹, Ar², Ar³ and Ar⁴, which may be the same or different, eachrepresents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, Ar⁵ represents asubstituted or unsubstituted aryl or arylene group, k represents 0 or 1,and at least one of Ar¹ to Ar⁵ has a bonding hand to connect with-D-SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) in general formula (3).

Ar¹ to Ar⁴ in the above-mentioned general formula (6) are eachpreferably any one of the following formulas (7) to (13):

In formulas (7) to (13), R⁶ represents a member selected from the groupconsisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbonatoms, an unsubstituted phenyl group or a phenyl group substituted by analkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxyl group having 1 to 4carbon atoms, and an aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms; R⁷ to R⁹each represents a member selected from the group consisting of ahydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxylgroup having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted phenyl group or aphenyl group substituted by an alkoxyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms,an aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and a halogen atom; Arrepresents a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group; X represents-D-SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) in general formula (3); m and s each represents 0 or1; q and r each represents an integer of 1 to 10; and t and t′ eachrepresents an integer of 1 to 3.

Here, Ar in formula (13) is preferably one represented by the followingformula (14) or (15):

In formulas (14) and (15), R¹⁰ and R¹¹ each represents a member selectedfrom the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to4 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, anunsubstituted phenyl group or a phenyl group substituted by an alkoxylgroup having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbonatoms, and a halogen atom; and t represents an integer of 1 to 3.

Further, Z′ in formula (13) is preferably one represented by any one ofthe following formulas (16) to (23):

In formulas (16) to (23), R¹² and R¹³ each represents a member selectedfrom the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to4 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, anunsubstituted phenyl group or a phenyl group substituted by an alkoxylgroup having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbonatoms, and a halogen atom; W represents a divalent group; q and r eachrepresents an integer of 1 to 10; and t represents an integer of 1 to 3.

W in the above-mentioned formulas (22) and (23) is preferably any one ofdivalent groups represented by the following formulas (24) to (32):

In formula (31), u represents an integer of 0 to 3.

Further, in general formula (6), Ar⁵ is the aryl group illustrated inthe description of Ar¹ to Ar⁴, when k is 0, and an arylene groupobtained by removing a certain hydrogen atom from such an aryl group,when k is 1.

Preferred combinations of Ar¹, Ar², Ar³, Ar⁴, Ar⁵ and integer k informula (6) and a group represented by -D-SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) in generalformula (3) are shown in Tables 2 to 5. In the tables, S represents-D-SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) linked to Ar¹ to Ar⁵, Me represents a methyl group, Etrepresents an ethyl group, and Pr represents a propyl group.

TABLE 2 No. Ar¹ Ar² Ar³ Ar⁴ Ar⁵ k —S V-1 

— —

0 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OiPr)₃ V-2 

— —

0 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OEt)₃ V-3 

— —

0 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OMe)₃ V-4 

— —

0 —(CH₂)₄—SiMe(OMe)₂ V-5 

— —

0 —(CH₂)₄—SiMe(OiPr)₂ V-6 

— —

0 —CH═CH—(CH₂)₂—Si(OiPr)₃ V-7 

— —

0 —CH═CH—(CH₂)₂—Si(OMe)₃ V-8 

— —

0 —CH═N—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiMe)₃ V-9 

— —

0 —CH═N—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-10

— —

0 —O—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-11

— —

0 —COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-12

— —

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-13

— —

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₂Me V-14

— —

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)Me₂ V-15

— —

0 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OMe)₃

TABLE 3 No. Ar¹ Ar² Ar³ Ar⁴ V-16

— — V-17

— — V-18

— — V-19

— — V-20

— — V-21

— — V-22

— — V-23

— — V-24

— — V-25

— — V-26

— — V-27

— — V-28

— — V-29

— — V-30

— — No. Ar⁵ k —S V-16

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-17

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—SiMe(OiPr)₂ V-18

0 —O—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-19

0 —COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-20

0 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OiPr)₃ V-21

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-22

0 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OiPr)₃ V-23

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-24

0 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OiPr)₃ V-25

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-26

0 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OiPr)₃ V-27

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-28

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-29

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-30

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃

TABLE 4 No. Ar¹ Ar² Ar³ V-31

— V-32

— V-33

— V-34

— V-35

— V-36

— V-37

V-38

V-39

V-40

V-41

V-42

V-43

V-44

V-45

No. Ar⁴ Ar⁵ k —S V-31 —

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-32 —

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₂Me V-33 —

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)Me₂ V-34 —

0 —COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-35 —

0 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-36 —

0 —COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-37

1 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OEt)₃ V-38

1 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OiPr)₃ V-39

1 —CH═CH—(CH₂)₂—Si(OiPr)₃ V-40

1 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OMe)₃ V-41

1 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OiPr)₃ V-42

1 —CH═CH—(CH₂)₂—Si(OiPr)₃ V-43

1 —CH═N—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-44

1 —O—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-45

1 —COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃

TABLE 5 No. Ar¹ Ar² Ar³ Ar⁴ V-46

V-47

V-48

V-49

V-50

V-51

V-52

V-53

V-54

V-55

V-56

V-57

V-58

V-59

V-60

V-61

No. Ar⁵ k —S V-46

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-47

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₂Me V-48

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)Me₂ V-49

1 —COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-50

1 —(CH₂)₄—Si(OiPr)₃ V-51

1 —CH═CH—(CH₂)₂—Si(OiPr)₃ V-52

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-53

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₂Me V-54

1 —COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-55

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₂ V-56

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₂Me V-57

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)Me₂ V-58

1 —COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-59

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₃ V-60

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)₂Me V-61

1 —(CH₂)₂—COO—(CH₂)₃—Si(OiPr)Me₂

Further, the silicon compounds represented by the above-mentionedgeneral formula (4) include silane coupling agents such as atetrafunctional alkoxysilane (c=4) such as tetramethoxysilane ortetraethoxysilane; a trifunctional alkoxysilane (c=3) such asmethyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane,methyltrimethoxyethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane,vinyltriethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane,γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane,γ-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane,N-β-(aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane,(tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyl)triethoxysilane,(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)trimethoxysilane,3-(heptafluoroisopropoxy)propyltriethoxysilane,1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoroalkyltriethoxysilane,1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane or1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane; a bifunctional alkoxysilane(c=2) such as dimethyldimethoxysilane, diphenyldimethoxysilane ormethylphenyldimethoxysilane; and a monofunctional alkoxysilane (c=1)such as trimethylmethoxysilane.

In order to improve the strength of the photosensitive layer, thetrifunctional alkoxysilanes and the tetrafunctional alkoxysilanes arepreferred, and in order to improve the flexibility and film formingproperties, the monofunctional alkoxysilanes and the bifunctionalalkoxysilanes are preferred.

Silicone hard coating agents containing these coupling agents can alsobe used. Commercially available hard coating agents include KP-85,X-40-9740 and X-40-2239 (the above are manufactured by Shinetsu SiliconeCo., Ltd.), and AY42-440, AY42-441 and AY49-208 (the above aremanufactured by Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.).

The silicon compound-containing layer may contain either only one of thesilicon compounds represented by the above-mentioned general formulas(2) to (4) or two or more of them. Further, the compounds represented bygeneral formulas (2) to (4) include a monofunctional compound (acompound in which a or c is 1), a bifunctional compound (a compound inwhich a or c is 2), a trifunctional compound (a compound in which a or cis 3) and a tetrafunctional compound (a compound in which a or c is 4).However, it is preferred that the number of silicon atoms derived fromthe silicon-containing compounds represented by the above-mentionedgeneral formulas (2) to (4) in the silicon compound-containing layersatisfies a requirement represented by the following equation (5):(N_(a=3)+N_(c≧3))/N_(total)≦0.5  (5)wherein N_(a=3) represents the number of silicon atoms derived from—SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) of the silicon compound represented by general formula(2) or (3) in which a is 3, N_(c≧3) represents the number of siliconatoms derived from the silicon compound represented by general formula(4) in which c is 3 or 4, and N_(total) represents the total of thenumber of silicon atoms derived from —SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) of the siliconcompound represented by general formula (2) or (3) and the number ofsilicon atoms derived from the silicon compound represented by generalformula (4). That is to say, the ratio of the silicon compoundscontained is preferably set so that the number of silicon atoms derivedfrom the trifunctional compound or the tetrafunctional compound becomes0.5 or less based on the number of silicon atoms derived from thesilicon-containing compounds represented by general formulas (2) to (4)(in the case of the compound represented by general formula (2) or (3),the silicon atoms are limited to ones derived from —SiR_(3−a)Q_(a), andthe same applies hereinafter). When the value of the left side ofequation (5) exceeds 0.5, an indistinct image tends to be liable tooccur at high temperature and high humidity. When the value of the leftside of equation (5) is decreased, there is the possibility that itcauses a decrease in strength. However, the use of the compound havingtwo or more silicon atoms in its molecule can improve the strength.

In order to further improve the stain adhesion resistance and lubricityof the electrophotographic photoreceptor, various fine particles canalso be added to the silicon compound-containing layer. The fineparticles may be used either alone or as a combination of two or more ofthem. Examples of the fine particles include fine particles containingsilicon. The fine particles containing silicon are fine particlescontaining silicon as a constituent element, and specifically includecolloidal silica and fine silicone particles.

Colloidal silica used as the fine particles containing silicon in theinvention is selected from an acidic or alkaline aqueous dispersion ofthe fine particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm,preferably 10 to 30 nm, and a dispersion of the fine particles in anorganic solvent such as an alcohol, a ketone or an ester, and generally,commercially available particles can be used.

There is no particular limitation on the solid content of colloidalsilica in a top surface layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptorof the invention. However, colloidal silica is used within the range of1 to 50% by weight, preferably within the range of 5 to 30% by weight,based on the total solid content of the top surface layer, in terms offilm forming properties, electric characteristics and strength.

The fine silicone particles used as the fine particles containingsilicon in the invention are selected from silicone resin particles,silicone rubber particles and silica particles surface-treated withsilicone, which are spherical and have an average particle size ofpreferably 1 to 500 nm and more preferably 10 to 100 nm, and generally,commercially available particles can be used.

The fine silicone particles are small-sized particles which arechemically inactive and excellent in dispersibility in a resin, andfurther low in the content necessary for obtaining sufficientcharacteristics. Accordingly, the surface properties of theelectrophotographic photoreceptor can be improved without inhibition ofthe crosslinking reaction. That is to say, the fine silicone particlesimprove the lubricity and water repellency of a surface of theelectrophotographic photoreceptor in a state where they are incorporatedinto a strong crosslinked structure, thereby being able to maintain goodwear resistance and stain adhesion resistance for a long period of time.The content of the fine silicone particles in the siliconcompound-containing layer is within the range of 0.1 to 20% by weight,and preferably within the range of 0.5 to 10% by weight, based on thetotal solid content of the silicon compound-containing layer.

Other fine particles include fine fluorine-based particles such asethylene tetrafluoride, ethylene trifluoride, propylene hexafluoride,vinyl fluoride and vinylidene fluoride, and semiconductive metal oxidessuch as ZnO—Al₂O₃, SnO₂—Sb₂O₃, In₂O₃—SnO₂, ZnO—TiO₂, MgO—Al₂O₃,FeO—TiO₂, TiO₂, SnO₂, In₂O₃, ZnO and MgO.

In the conventional electrophotographic photoreceptor, when theabove-mentioned fine particles are contained in the photosensitivelayer, the compatibility of the fine particles with a charge transfersubstance or a binding resin is liable to become insufficient, whichcauses layer separation in the photosensitive layer to form an opaquefilm. As a result, the electric characteristics have deteriorated insome cases. In contrast, according to the invention, the siliconcompound-containing layer (a charge transfer layer in this case) isallowed to contain the resin soluble in the liquid component in thecoating solution used for formation of this layer and the siliconcompound, thereby improving the dispersibility of the fine particles inthe silicon compound-containing layer. Accordingly, the pot life of thecoating solution can be sufficiently prolonged, and it becomes possibleto prevent deterioration of the electric characteristics.

Further, an additive such as a plasticizer, a surface modifier, anantioxidant or an agent for preventing deterioration by light can alsobe used in the silicon compound-containing layer. The plasticizersinclude, for example, biphenyl, biphenyl chloride, terphenyl, dibutylphthalate, diethylene glycol phthalate, dioctyl phthalate,triphenylphosphoric acid, methylnaphthalene, benzophenone, chlorinatedparaffin, polypropylene, polystyrene and various fluorohydrocarbons.

The antioxidants include an antioxidant having a hindered phenol,hindered amine, thioether or phosphite partial structure. This iseffective for improvement of potential stability and image quality inenvironmental variation. For example, the hindered phenol antioxidantsinclude Sumilizer BHT-R, Sumilizer MDP-S, Sumilizer BBM-S, SumilizerWX-R, Sumilizer NW, Sumilizer BP-76, Sumilizer BP-101, Sumilizer GA-80,Sumilizer GM and Sumilizer GS (the above are manufactured by SumitomoChemical Co., Ltd.), IRGANOX 1010, IRGANOX 1035, IRGANOX 1076, IRGANOX1098, IRGANOX 1135, IRGANOX 1141, IRGANOX 1222, IRGANOX 1330, IRGANOX1425WLj, IRGANOX 1520Lj, IRGANOX 245, IRGANOX 259, IRGANOX 3114, IRGANOX3790, IRGANOX 5057 and IRGANOX 565 (the above are manufactured by CibaSpecialty Chemicals), and Adecastab AO-20, Adecastab AO-30, AdecastabAO-40, Adecastab AO-50, Adecastab AO-60, Adecastab AO-70, AdecastabAO-80 and Adecastab AO-330i (the above are manufactured by Asahi DenkaCo., Ltd.). The hindered amine antioxidants include Sanol LS2626, SanolLS765, Sanol LS770, Sanol LS744, Tinuvin 144, Tinuvin 622LD, Mark LA57,Mark LA67, Mark LA62, Mark LA68, Mark LA63 and Sumilizer TPS, and thephosphite antioxidants include Mark 2112, Mark PEP•8, Mark PEP•24G, MarkPEP•36, Mark 329K and Mark HP•10. Of these, the hindered phenol andhindered amine antioxidants are particularly preferred.

In the invention, the photosensitive layer is constituted, containingthe silicon compound-containing layer having the above-mentionedconstitution. It is necessary that a peak area in the region of −40 to 0ppm (S₁) and a peak area in the region of −100 to −50 ppm (S₂) of thephotosensitive layer in a ²⁹Si-NMR spectrum satisfy the followingequation (1):S₁/(S₁+S₂)≧0.5  (1).When S₁/(S₁+S₂) is less than 0.5, defects such as a tendency to cause anindistinct image at high temperature and the pot life shortened areliable to occur. For a similar reason, S₁/(S₁+S₂) is preferably 0.6 ormore, and more preferably 0.7 or more.

The ²⁹Si-NMR spectrum of the photosensitive layer can be measuredthrough the following procedure. First, the photosensitive layer isseparated from the electrophotographic photoreceptor by use of asilicon-free adhesive tape, and a sample tube (7 mm in diameter) made ofzirconia is filled with 150 mg of the resulting separated product. Thesample tube is set on a ²⁹Si-NMR spectral measuring apparatus (forexample, UNITY-300 manufactured by Varian, Inc.), and measurements aremade under the following conditions:

Frequency: 59.59 MHz

Delay time: 10.00 seconds

Contact time: 2.5 milliseconds

Measuring temperature: 25° C.

Integrating number: 10,000 times

Revolution: 4,000±500 rpm

The electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention may be either afunction separation type photoreceptor in which a layer containing acharge generation substance (charge generation layer) and a layercontaining a charge transfer substance (charge transfer layer) areseparately provided or a monolayer type photoreceptor in which both thecharge generation layer and the charge transfer layer are contained inthe same layer, as long as it has the photosensitive layer provided withthe above-mentioned silicon compound-containing layer. However, thefunction separation type photoreceptor is preferred. Theelectrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention will be described ingreater detail below, taking the function separation type photoreceptoras an example.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view schematically showing a preferredembodiment of the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention.The electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a functionseparation type photoreceptor in which a charge generation layer 13 anda charge transfer layer 14 are separately provided. That is to say, anunderlayer 12, the charge generation layer 13, the charge transfer layer14 and a protective layer 15 are laminated in this order on a conductivesupport 11 to form a photosensitive layer 16. Of these, the protectivelayer 15 contains the resin soluble in the liquid component contained inthe coating solution used for formation of this layer and the siliconcompound. Further, a peak area in the region of −40 to 0 ppm and a peakarea in the region of −100 to −50 ppm in a ²⁹Si-NMR spectrum of thephotosensitive layer 16 satisfy the above-mentioned equation (1).

The conductive support 11 includes, for example, a metal plate, a metaldrum or a metal belt using a metal such as aluminum, copper, zinc,stainless steel, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, indium, gold ora platinum, or an alloy thereof; and paper or a plastic film or beltcoated, deposited or laminated with a conductive polymer, a conductivecompound such as indium oxide, a metal such as aluminum, palladium orgold, or an alloy thereof. Further, surface treatment such as anodicoxidation coating, hot water oxidation, chemical treatment, coloring ordiffused reflection treatment such as graining can also be applied to asurface of the support 11.

Binding resins used in the underlayer 12 include, specifically, apolyamide resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a vinyl acetate resin, a phenolresin, a polyurethane resin, a melamine resin, a benzoguanamine resin, apolyimide resin, a polyethylene resin, a polypropylene resin, apolycarbonate resin, an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a vinylidenechloride resin, a polyvinyl acetal resin, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetatecopolymer, a polyvinyl alcohol resin, a water-soluble polyester resin,nitrocellulose, casein, gelatin, polyglutamic acid, starch, starchacetate, amino starch, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, a zirconiumchelate compound, a titanyl chelate compound, a titanyl alkoxidecompound, an organic titanyl compound and a silane coupling agent. Thesecan be used either alone or as a combination of two or more of them.Further, fine particles of titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, siliconoxide, zirconium oxide, barium titanate, a silicone resin or the likemay be added to the above-mentioned binding resin.

As a coating method in forming the underlayer, an ordinary method suchas blade coating, Mayer bar coating, spray coating, dip coating, beadcoating, air knife coating or curtain coating is employed. The thicknessof the underlayer is suitably from 0.01 to 40 μm.

The charge generation substances contained in the charge generationlayer 13 include, for example, various organic pigments and organic dyessuch as an azo pigment, a quinoline pigment, a perylene pigment, anindigo pigment, a thioindigo pigment, a bisbenzimidazole pigment, aphthalocyanine pigment, a quinacridone pigment, a quinoline pigment, alake pigment, an azo lake pigment, an anthraquinone pigment, an oxazinepigment, a dioxazine pigment, a triphenylmethane pigment, an azuleniumdye, a squalium dye, a pyrylium dye, a triallylmethane dye, a xanthenedye, a thiazine dye and cyanine dye; and inorganic materials such asamorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, tellurium, a selenium-telluriumalloy, cadmium sulfide, antimony sulfide, zinc oxide and zinc sulfide.Of these, the cyclocondensed aromatic pigments, the perylene pigment andthe azo pigment are preferred in terms of sensitivity, electricstability and photochemical stability against irradiated light. Thesecharge generation substances may be used either alone or as acombination of two or more of them.

The charge generation layer 13 is formable by vacuum deposition of thecharge generation substance or application of a coating solution inwhich the charge generation substance is dispersed in an organic solventcontaining a binding resin. The binding resins used in the chargegeneration layer include a polyvinyl acetal resin such as a polyvinylbutyral resin, a polyvinyl formal resin or a partially acetalizedpolyvinyl acetal resin in which butyral is partially modified withformal or acetoacetal, a polyamide resin, a polyester resin, a modifiedether type polyester resin, a polycarbonate resin, an acrylic resin, apolyvinyl chloride resin, a polyvinylidene chloride, a polystyreneresin, a polyvinyl acetate resin, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetatecopolymer, a silicone resin, a phenol resin, a phenoxy resin, a melamineresin, a benzoguanamine resin, a urea resin, a polyurethane resin, apoly-N-vinylcarbazole resin, a polyvinylanthracene resin and apolyvinylpyrene resin. These can be used either alone or as acombination of two or more of them. Of these, when the polyvinyl acetalresin, the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, the phenoxy resin orthe modified ether type polyester resin is used, the dispersibility ofthe charge generation substance is improved to cause no occurrence ofcoagulation of the charge generation substance, thereby obtaining thecoating solution stable for a long period of time. The use of such acoating solution makes it possible to form a uniform coating easily andsurely. As a result, the electric characteristics are improved, therebybeing able to sufficiently prevent the occurrence of an image defect.Further, the compounding ratio of the charge generation substance to thebinding resin is preferably within the range of 5:1 to 1:2 by volumeratio.

Further, the solvents used in preparing the coating solution includeorganic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol,benzyl alcohol, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, acetone, methylethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, chlorobenzene, methyl acetate, n-butylacetate, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride and chloroform.These can be used either alone or as a mixture of two or more of them.

Methods for applying the coating solution include the coating methodsexemplified in the description of the above-mentioned underlayer. Thethickness of the charge generation layer 13 thus formed is preferablyfrom 0.01 to μm, and more preferably from 0.1 to 2 μm. When thethickness of the charge generation layer 13 is less than 0.01 μm, itbecomes difficult to uniformly form the charge generation layer. On theother hand, when the thickness exceeds 5 μm, the electrophotographiccharacteristics tend to significantly deteriorate.

Further, a stabilizer such as an antioxidant or an inactivating agentcan also be added to the charge generation layer 13. The antioxidantsinclude, for example, antioxidants such as phenolic, sulfur, phosphorusand amine compounds. The inactivating agents includebis(dithiobenzyl)nickel and nickel di-n-butylthiocarbamate.

The charge transfer layer 14 can be formed by applying a coatingsolution containing the charge transfer substance and a binding resin,and further fine particles, an additive, etc., as described above.

The low molecular weight charge transfer substances include, forexample, pyrene, carbazole, hydrazone, oxazole, oxadiazole, pyrazoline,arylamine, arylmethane, benzidine, thiazole, stilbene and butadienecompounds. Further, the high molecular weight charge transfer substancesinclude, for example, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, poly-N-vinylcarbazolehalide, polyvinyl pyrene, polyvinylanthracene, polyvinylacridine, apyrene-formaldehyde resin, an ethylcarbazole-formaldehyde resin, atriphenylmethane polymer and polysilane. Of these, the triphenylaminecompound, the triphenylmethane compound and the benzidine compound arepreferred in terms of mobility, stability and transparency to light.Further, the silicon compound represented by the above-mentioned generalformula (2) can also be used as the charge transfer substance.

As the binding resin, a high molecular weight polymer which can form anelectrical insulating film is preferred. For example, when the polyvinylacetal resin, the polyamide resin, the cellulose resin, the phenolresin, etc., which are the resins soluble in the alcoholic solvents, areused, the binding resins used together with these resins include apolycarbonate, a polyester, a methacrylic resin, an acrylic resin,polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyvinylacetate, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a vinylidenechloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetatecopolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic anhydride copolymer, asilicone resin, a silicone-alkyd resin, a phenol-formaldehyde resin, astyrene-alkyd resin, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinylformal, a polysulfone, casein, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, a phenolresin, a polyamide, carboxymethyl cellulose, a vinylidene chloride-basedpolymer latex and a polyurethane. Of the above-mentioned high molecularweight polymers, the polycarbonate, the polyester, the methacrylic resinand the acrylic resin are preferred, because they are excellent incompatibility with the charge transfer substance, solubility in thesolvent and strength.

The charge transfer layer 14 may further contain an additive such as aplasticizer, a surface modifier, an antioxidant or an agent forpreventing deterioration by light.

The thickness of the charge transfer layer 14 is preferably from 5 to 50μm, and more preferably from 10 to 40 μm. When the thickness of thecharge transfer layer is less than 5 μm, it becomes difficult to becharged. On the other hand, exceeding 50 μm results in a tendency tosignificantly deteriorate the electrophotographic characteristics.

The protective layer 15 contains the resin soluble in the liquidcomponent in the coating solution used for formation of the protectivelayer and the silicon compound as described above. The protective layer15 may further contain a lubricant or fine particles of a silicone oilor a fluorine material, which can also improve lubricity and strength.Preferred examples of the lubricants include the above-mentionedfluorine-based silane coupling agents. The fine particles to bedispersed include fine particles comprising a resin obtained bycopolymerizing a fluororesin with a hydroxyl group-containing monomer,which is described in Proceedings of Lectures in the Eighth PolymerMaterial Forum, page 89, and a semiconductive metal oxide, as well asthe above-mentioned fine silicone particles and fine fluorine-basedparticles. The thickness of the protective layer is preferably from 0.1to 10 μm, and more preferably from 0.5 to 7 μm.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor of the invention should not beconstrued as being limited to the abovementioned constitution. Forexample, the electrophotographic photoreceptor shown in FIG. 1 isprovided with the protective layer 15. However, when the charge transferlayer 14 contains the resin soluble in the liquid component in thecoating solution used for formation of this layer and the siliconcompound, the charge transfer layer 14 may be used as a top surfacelayer (a layer on the side farthest apart from the support 11) withoutusing the protective layer 15. In this case, the charge transfersubstance contained in the charge transfer layer 14 is preferablysoluble in the liquid component in the coating solution used forformation of the charge transfer layer 14. for example, when the coatingsolution used for formation of the charge transfer layer 14 contains thealcoholic solvent, the silicon compounds represented by theabove-mentioned general formula (2) and compounds represented by thefollowing formulas (VI-1) to (VI-16) are preferably used as the chargetransfer substances.

Image Forming Apparatus and Process Cartridge

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of the imageforming apparatus of the invention. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 2,the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 constituted as shown in FIG. 1is supported by a support 9, and rotatable at a specified rotationalspeed in the direction indicated by the arrow, centered on the support9. A contact charging device 2, an exposure device 3, a developingdevice 4, a transfer device 5 and a cleaning unit 7 are arranged in thisorder along the rotational direction of the electrophotographicphotoreceptor 1. Further, this apparatus is equipped with an imagefixing device 6, and a medium P to which a toner image is to betransferred is conveyed to the image fixing device 6 through thetransfer device 5.

The contact charging device 2 has a roller-shaped contact chargingmember. The contact charging member is arranged so that it comes intocontact with a surface of the photoreceptor 1, and a voltage is applied,thereby being able to give a specified potential to the surface of thephotoreceptor 1. As a material for such a contact charging member, therecan be used a metal such as aluminum, iron or copper, a conductivepolymer material such as a polyacetylene, a polypyrrole or apolythiophene, or a dispersion of fine particles of carbon black, copperiodide, silver iodide, zinc sulfide, silicon carbide, a metal oxide orthe like in an elastomer material such as polyurethane rubber, siliconerubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, acrylicrubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber or butadiene rubber.Examples of the metal oxides include ZnO, SnO₂, TiO₂, In₂O₃, MoO₃ and acomplex oxide thereof. Further, a perchlorate may be added to theelastomer material to impart conductivity.

Further, a covering layer can also be provided on a surface of thecontact charging member. Materials for forming this covering layerinclude N-alkoxymethylated nylon, a cellulose resin, a vinylpyridineresin, a phenol resin, a polyurethane, polyvinyl butyral and melamine,and these may be used either alone or as a combination of two or more ofthem. Furthermore, an emulsion resin material such as an acrylic resinemulsion, a polyester resin emulsion or a polyurethane, particularly anemulsion resin synthesized by soap-free emulsion polymerization can alsobe used. In order to further adjust resistivity, conductive agentparticles may be dispersed in these resins, and in order to preventdeterioration, an antioxidant can also be added thereto. Further, inorder to improve film forming properties in forming the covering layer,a leveling agent or a surfactant can also be added to the emulsionresin.

The resistance of the contact charging member is preferably from 10⁰ to10¹⁴ Ωcm, and more preferably from 10² to 10¹² Ωcm. When a voltage isapplied to this contact charging member, either a DC voltage or an ACvoltage can be used as the applied voltage. Further, a superimposedvoltage of a DC voltage and an AC voltage can also be used.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the contact charging member of thecontact charging device 2 is in the shape of a roller. However, such acontact charging member may be in the shape of a blade, a belt, a brushor the like.

Further, as the exposure device 3, there can be used an optical devicewhich can perform desired imagewise exposure to a surface of theelectrophotographic photoreceptor 1 with a light source such as asemiconductor laser, an LED (light emitting diode) or a liquid crystalshutter. Of these, the use of the exposure device which makes itpossible to perform exposure to noninterference light can preventinterference fringes between the support (substrate) of theelectrophotographic photoreceptor 1 and the photosensitive layer.

Furthermore, as the developing device 4, there can be used a knowndeveloping device using a normal or reversal developing agent of aone-component system, a two-component system or the like. There is noparticular limitation on the shape of a toner used, and for example, anirregularly shaped toner obtained by pulverization or a spherical tonerobtained chemical polymerization is suitably used.

As the transfer device 5, there can be used a contact type transfercharging device using a belt, a roller, a film, a rubber blade or thelike, or a scorotron transfer charger or a corotron transfer chargerutilizing corona discharge.

Further, the cleaning device 7 is a device for removing a remainingtoner adhered to the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1after a transfer step, and the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1cleaned up thereby is repeatedly subjected to the above-mentioned imageformation process. As the cleaning device 7, there can be used acleaning blade, a cleaning brush, a cleaning roll or the like. Of these,the cleaning blade is preferably used. Materials for the cleaning bladeinclude urethane rubber, neoprene rubber and silicone rubber.

In the image forming device shown in FIG. 2, the respective steps ofcharging, exposure, development, transfer and cleaning are conducted inturn in the rotation step of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1,thereby repeatedly performing image formation. Here, theelectrophotographic photoreceptor 1 is provided with the specifiedsilicon compound-containing layer and the photosensitive layersatisfying the requirement represented by equation (1) in the ²⁹Si-NMRspectrum, as described above, so that the photoreceptor is excellent indischarge gas resistance, mechanical strength, scratch resistance,particle dispersibility, etc. Accordingly, even when the photoreceptoris used together with the contact charging device or the cleaning blade,or further with the spherical toner obtained by chemical polymerization,good image quality can be obtained without the occurrence of imagedefects such as fogging. According to this embodiment, therefore, theimage forming apparatus which can stably provide good image quality fora long period of time is realized.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing another embodiment of the imageforming apparatus of the invention. The image forming apparatus 220shown in FIG. 3 is an image forming apparatus of an intermediatetransfer system, and four electrophotographic photoreceptors 401 a to401 d are arranged in parallel with each other along an intermediatetransfer belt 409 in a housing 400.

Here, the electrophotographic photoreceptors 401 a to 401 d carried bythe image forming apparatus 220 are each the electrophotographicphotoreceptors of the invention. For example, the electrophotographicphotoreceptors shown in FIG. 1 are carried thereby.

Each of the electrophotographic photoreceptors 401 a to 401 d isrotatable in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise on the sheet ofFIG. 3), and charging rolls 402 a to 402 d, developing device 404 a to404 d, primary transfer rolls 410 a to 410 d and cleaning blades 415 ato 415 d are each arranged along the rotational direction thereof. Ineach of the developing device 404 a to 404 d, four-color toners ofyellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (B) contained in tonercartridges 405 a to 405 d can be supplied, and the primary transferrolls 410 a to 410 d are each brought into abutting contact with theelectrophotographic photoreceptors 401 a to 401 d through anintermediate transfer belt 409.

Further, a laser light source (exposure unit) 403 is arranged at aspecified position in the housing 400, and it is possible to irradiatesurfaces of the electrophotographic photoreceptors 401 a to 401 d aftercharging with laser light emitted from the laser light source 403. Thisperforms the respective steps of charging, exposure, development,primary transfer and cleaning in turn in the rotation step of theelectrophotographic photoreceptors 401 a to 401 d, and toner images ofthe respective colors are transferred onto the intermediate transferbelt 409, one over the other.

The intermediate transfer belt 409 is supported with a driving roll 406,a backup roll 408 and a tension roll 407 at a specified tension, androtatable by the rotation of these rolls without the occurrence ofdeflection. Further, a secondary transfer roll 413 is arranged so thatit is brought into abutting contact with the backup roll 408 through theintermediate transfer belt 409. The intermediate transfer belt 409 whichhas passed between the backup roll 408 and the secondary transfer roll413 is cleaned up by a cleaning blade 416, and then repeatedly subjectedto the subsequent image formation process.

Further, a tray (tray for a medium to which a toner image is to betransferred) 411 is provided at a specified position in the housing 400.The medium to which the toner image is to be transferred (such as paper)in the tray 411 is conveyed in turn between the intermediate transferbelt 409 and the secondary transfer roll 413, and further between twofixing rolls 414 brought into abutting contact with each other, with aconveying roll 412, and then delivered out of the housing 400.

According to the image forming apparatus 220 shown in FIG. 3, the use ofthe electrophotographic photoreceptors of the invention as theelectrophotographic photoreceptors 401 a to 401 d achieves discharge gasresistance, mechanical strength, scratch resistance, etc. on asufficiently high level in the image formation process of each of theelectrophotographic photoreceptors 401 a to 401 d. Accordingly, evenwhen the photoreceptors are used together with the contact chargingdevices or the cleaning blades, or further with the spherical tonerobtained by chemical polymerization, good image quality can be obtainedwithout the occurrence of image defects such as fogging. Therefore, alsoaccording to the image forming apparatus for color image formation usingthe intermediate transfer body, such as this embodiment, the imageforming apparatus which can stably provide good image quality for a longperiod of time is realized.

The invention should not be construed as being limited to theabove-mentioned embodiments. For example, each apparatus shown in FIG. 2or 3 may be equipped with a process cartridge comprising theelectrophotographic photoreceptor 1 (or the electrophotographicphotoreceptors 401 a to 401 d) and charging device 2 (or the chargingdevices 402 a to 402 d). The use of such a process cartridge allowsmaintenance to be performed more simply and easily.

Further, in these embodiments, also when a charging device of thenon-contact charging system such as a corotron charger is used in placeof the contact charging device 2 (or the contact charging devices 402 ato 402 d), sufficiently good image quality can be obtained. However,from the viewpoint of the prevention of ozone generation, the contactcharging device is preferably used.

Furthermore, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, a toner image formed onthe surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 is directlytransferred to the medium P to which the toner image is to betransferred. However, the image forming apparatus of the invention maybe further provided with an intermediate transfer body. This makes itpossible to transfer the toner image from the intermediate transfer bodyto the medium P to which the toner image is to be transferred, after thetoner image on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1has been transferred to the intermediate transfer body. As such anintermediate transfer body, there can be used one having a structure inwhich an elastic layer containing a rubber, an elastomer, a resin or thelike and at least one covering layer are laminated on a conductivesupport.

In addition, the image forming apparatus of the invention may be furtherequipped with a static eliminator such as an erase light irradiationdevice. This prevents the phenomenon of incorporating the residualpotential of the electrophotographic photoreceptor into the subsequentcycle, when the electrophotographic photoreceptor is repeatedly used.Accordingly, image quality can be more improved.

EXAMPLES

The invention will be illustrated in greater detail with reference tothe following Examples and Comparative Examples, but the inventionshould not be construed as being limited thereto. In the followingexamples and comparative examples, all the “parts” are given by weightunless otherwise indicated.

Further, the compounds shown in Tables 1 to 5 and the compoundsrepresented by formulas (VI-1) to (VI-16) are indicated with referenceto the compound number in Tables 1 to 5 or the formula number.

Example 1

Preparation of Electrophotographic Photoreceptor

A coating solution for an underlayer comprising 100 parts of a zirconiumcompound (trade name: Orgatics ZC540, manufactured by Matsumoto ChemicalIndustry Co., Ltd.), 10 parts of a silane compound (trade name: A110,manufactured by Nippon Unicar Co., Ltd.), 400 parts of isopropanol and200 parts of butanol was prepared. This coating solution was appliedonto a cylindrical Al substrate subjected to honing treatment by dipcoating, and dried by heating at 150° C. for 10 minutes to form anunderlayer having a film thickness of 0.1 μm.

Then, as a charge generation substance, 10 parts of chlorogalliumphthalocyanine crystals having strong diffraction peaks at Bragg angles(2θ±0.2°) of 7.4°, 16.6°, 25.5° and 28.3° in an X-ray diffractionspectrum was mixed with 10 parts of a polyvinyl butyral resin (tradename: S-LEC BM-S, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 1,000parts of butyl acetate, and the resulting mixture was dispersed bytreating it together with glass beads in a paint shaker for one hour toobtain a coating solution for a charge generation layer. This coatingsolution was applied onto the above-mentioned underlayer by dip coating,and dried by heating at 100° C. for 10 minutes to form the chargegeneration layer having a film thickness of about 0.15 μm.

Further, 20 parts of a benzidine compound represented by the followingstructural formula (33), 30 parts of a bisphenol (z) polycarbonate resin(viscosity average molecular weight: 4.4×10⁴), 5 parts of3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)methylcyclotrisiloxane, 150 parts ofmonochlorobenzene and 150 parts of tetrahydrofuran were mixed to obtaina coating solution for a charge transfer layer. This coating solutionwas applied onto the above-mentioned charge generation layer by dipcoating, and dried by heating at 115° C. for one hour to form the chargegeneration layer having a film thickness of 20 μm.

Further, 20 parts of compound (VI-3), 20 parts of compound (III-3) and20 parts of methanol were mixed, and 2 parts of an ion exchange resin(Amberlist 15E) was added thereto, followed by stirring for 2 hours.Furthermore, 50 parts of butanol and 9.8 parts of distilled water wereadded to this mixture, followed by stirring at room temperature for 15minutes. Then, the resulting mixture was filtered to remove the ionexchange resin. One part of aluminum trisacetylacetonate, 1 part ofacetylacetone, 5 parts of a polyvinyl butyral resin (trade name: S-LECKW-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 1 part of ahindered phenol antioxidant (Sumilizer MDP-S) were added to a filtrateobtained, and thoroughly dissolved therein to obtain a coating solutionfor a protective layer. This coating solution was applied onto theabove-mentioned charge transfer layer by dip coating (coating speed:about 170 mm/min), and dried by heating at 130° C. for one hour to formthe protective layer having a film thickness of 3 μm, thereby obtaininga desired electrophotographic photoreceptor.

Examples 2 to 9

In each of Examples 2 to 9, an underlayer, a charge generation layer anda charge transfer layer were formed in the same manner as with Example1.

Then, a coating solution for formation of a protective layer wasprepared in the same manner as with Example 1 with the exception thatthe kinds and amounts compounded of silicon compound, charge transfersubstance, resin soluble in the liquid component and antioxidant, andthe amount of water compounded were changed as shown in Tables 6 and 7.Of the materials shown in Tables 6 and 7, ones indicated by trade namesare as follows:

Silicon Compound:

-   -   X-40-2239 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)        Resins Soluble in Liquid Component:    -   S-LEC KW-1 (a polyvinyl acetal resin, manufactured by Sekisui        Chemical Co., Ltd.)    -   S-LEC BM-1 (a polyvinyl butyral resin, manufactured by Sekisui        Chemical Co., Ltd.)    -   S-LEC BXL (a polyvinyl acetal resin, manufactured by Sekisui        Chemical Co., Ltd.)    -   DAIAMID X1874M (a polyamide resin, manufactured by DAICELlHULS        LTD.)    -   SK-105 (a phenol resin, manufactured by Sumitomo Bakelite Co.,        Ltd.)        Antioxidants:    -   Sumilizer MDP-S (a hindered phenol antioxidant, manufactured by        Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.)    -   Sumilizer BHT-R (a hindered phenol antioxidant, manufactured by        Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.)    -   Sanol LS765 (a hindered amine antioxidant, manufactured by        Sankyo Co., Ltd.)    -   Tinuvin 144 (a hindered amine antioxidant, manufactured by        Ciba-Geigy Corporation)        Other Components:    -   R812 (silica sol, manufactured Aerosil Co., Ltd.)    -   Lubron L1 (fine fluorine particles, manufactured by Daikin        Industries, Ltd.)

Further, butanol was added to the coating solution to adjust theviscosity so as to give a coating speed of about 170 mm/min in dipcoating. The coating solution adjusted in viscosity was applied onto thecharge transfer layer (coating speed: about 170 mm/min), and dried byheating at 130° C. for one hour to form the protective layer having afilm thickness of 3 μm, thereby obtaining a desired electrophotographicphotoreceptor.

Example 10

An underlayer and a charge generation layer were formed in the samemanner as with Example 1.

Then, a coating solution for formation of a protective layer wasprepared in the same manner as with Example 1 with the exception thatthe kinds and amounts compounded of silicon compound, charge transfersubstance, resin soluble in the liquid component, antioxidant and theother component, and the amount of water compounded were changed asshown in Table 7. Further, butanol was added to the coating solution toadjust the viscosity so as to give a coating speed of about 170 mm/minin dip coating. The coating solution adjusted in viscosity was subjectedto dispersing treatment together with glass beads in a paint shaker for30 minutes. The resulting coating solution was applied onto the chargetransfer layer (coating speed: about 170 mm/min), and dried by heatingat 130° C. for one hour to form the protective layer having a filmthickness of 3 μm, thereby obtaining a desired electrophotographicphotoreceptor.

Example 11

An electrophotographic photoreceptor was prepared in the same manner aswith Example 5 with the exception that 10 parts of hydroxygalliumphthalocyanine crystals having strong diffraction peaks at Bragg angles(2θ±0.2°) of 7.5°, 9.9°, 12.5°, 16.3°, 18.6°, 25.1° and 28.3° in anX-ray diffraction spectrum was used as the charge generation substance.

Comparative Examples 1 to 4

In each of Comparative Examples 1 to 4, an underlayer, a chargegeneration layer and a charge transfer layer were formed in the samemanner as with Example 1.

Then, a coating solution for formation of a protective layer wasprepared in the same manner as with Example 1 with the exception thatthe kinds and amounts compounded of silicon compound, charge transfersubstance, resin soluble in the liquid component and antioxidant, andthe amount of water compounded were changed as shown in Table 7.Further, butanol was added to the coating solution to adjust theviscosity so as to give a coating speed of about 170 mm/min in dipcoating. The coating solution adjusted in viscosity was applied onto thecharge transfer layer (coating speed: about 170 mm/min), and dried byheating at 130° C. for one hour to form the protective layer having afilm thickness of 3 μm, thereby obtaining a desired electrophotographicphotoreceptor.

Comparative Example 5

An electrophotographic photoreceptor was prepared in the same manner aswith Example 10 with the exception that S-LEC BXL was not used.

The values of S₁/(S₁+S₂) (the left side of equation (1)) in the ²⁹Si-NMRspectra of the electrophotographic photoreceptors obtained in Examples 1to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5, and the values of(N_(a=3)+N_(c≧3))/N_(total) (the left side of equation (5)) for thesilicon compounds in the coating solutions for formation of theprotective layers are shown in Table 8. Further, the ²⁹Si-NMR spectrumof the electrophotographic photoreceptor obtained in Example 3 is shownin FIG. 4.

TABLE 6 Silicon Compound and Charge Resin Soluble in Transfer SubstanceLiquid Component Antioxidant Water Amount Amount Amount AmountCompounded Compounded Compounded Compounded Kind (parts) Kind (parts)Kind (parts) (parts) Example 1 VI-3 20 S-LEC KW-1 5 Sumilizer 1 9.8III-3 20 MDP-S Example 2 V-17 20 S-LEC BM-1 5 Sumilizer 1 12.1 III-3 20MDP-S Example 3 V-32 20 S-LEC BM-1 5 Sumilizer 1 8.4 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-Per-10 BHT-R fluorotrioctyltriethoxysilane Dimethyldimethoxysilane 10Example 4 V-31 20 S-LEC BM-1 5 Sumilizer 1 12.0 III-3 20 BHT-R Example 5V-32 20 S-LEC BXL 5 Sumilizer 1 13.1 III-3 20 BHT-R Example 6 V-47 20S-LEC BXL 5 Sanol LS765 1 5.0 X-40-2239 20 Example 7 V-40 20 S-LEC BXL 5Sanol LS765 1 16.7 III-2 20 Example 8 V-60 30 DAIAMID 5 Sanol LS765 117.6 Methyltrimethoxysilane 15 X1874M Dimethyldimethoxysilane 5

TABLE 7 Silicon Compound and Resin Soluble in Charge Transfer SubstanceLiquid Component Antioxidant Water Other Component Amount Amount AmountAmount Amount Compounded Compounded Compounded Compounded CompoundedKind (parts) Kind (parts) Kind (parts) (parts) Kind (parts) Example 9V-60 20 SK-105 5 Tinuvin 1 13.9 — — III-2 20 144 Example 10 V-47 20S-LEC 5 Sumilizer 1 8.5 R812 10  III-2 10 BXL BHT-R Lubron L1 5 Example11 V-32 20 S-LEC 10  Sumilizer 1 13.1 — — III-3 20 BXL BHT-R ComparativeV-17 20 — — Tinuvin 1 12.1 — — Example 1 III-3 20 144 Comparative V-3220 — — Sumilizer 1 13.1 — — Example 2 III-3 20 BHT-R Comparative V-60 30DAIAMID 5 Sanol 1 18.2 — — Example 3 Methyltri- 20 X1874M LS765 methoxy-silane Dimethyldi- 5 methoxy- silane Comparative V-32 25 S-LEC 5 Tinuvin1 10.2 — — Example 4 III-3 5 BXL 144 III-4 20 Comparative V-32 20 — —Sumilizer 1 13.1 R812 5 Example 5 III-3 20 BHT-R Lubron L1 5

TABLE 8 S₁/(S₁ + S₂) (N_(a=3) + N_(c≧3))/N_(total) Pot Life Example 1 10 B Example 2 1 0 B Example 3 0.81 0.132 A Example 4 0.72 0.235 AExample 5 1 0 B Example 6 0.68 — B Exam le 7 0.63 0.340 B Example 8 0.510.491 B Example 9 1 0 B Example 10 0.79 — B Example 11 1 0 A Comparative1 0 C Example 1 Comparative 1 — D Example 2 Comparative 1 0.235 CExample 3 Comparative 0.37 — C Example 4 Comparative 0.41 0.563 EExample 5Pot Life Evaluation Test of Coating Solution

The coating solution for formation of the protective layer used in eachof Examples 1 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 was poured into asample bottle, and the bottle was sealed hermetically. The time requiredfrom the time this sample bottle was maintained at a temperature of 40°C. until gelation, separation or precipitation occurred was measured,and the pot life of the coating solution was evaluated on the basis ofthe following criteria:

A: 20 days or more

B: From 10 days to less than 20 days

C: From 5 days to less than 10 days

D: From 2 days to less than 5 days

E: Less than 2 days

As shown in Table 8, it was confirmed that the coating solutions forformation of the protective layers used in Examples 1 to 11 each had asufficiently long pot life.

Print Test

Using the electrophotographic photoreceptors obtained in each ofExamples 1 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5, the image formingapparatus shown in FIG. 3 was fabricated. As elements other than theelectrophotographic photoreceptor, ones similar to those of Docu CentreColor 400 CP (manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.) were used.

Then, using the resulting image forming apparatus, color print test byyellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) were carried out. Thetests were carried out under 3 conditions; low temperature and lowhumidity (10° C. and 15% RH), normal temperature and normal humidity(20° C. and 40% RH) and high temperature and high humidity (30° C. and85% RH), and the initial image quality and surface state of theelectrophotographic photoreceptors, the image quality and surface stateof the electrophotographic photoreceptors after 10,000 prints, and thestate of the blades after 10,000 prints were evaluated. The surfacestate was evaluated for the respective electrophotographicphotoreceptors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) on thebasis of the following criteria:

A: Neither a scratch nor a deposit is observed.

B: Scratches or deposits are slightly observed (observable under amicroscope).

C: Scratches or deposits are slightly observed (observable through amagnifier).

D: Scratches or deposits are observed (observable by the naked eye).

E: Scratches or deposits are significantly observed (observable by thenaked eye). The results obtained are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Image Quality Surface of Photoreceptor Initial After 10,000Prints After 10,000 Prints Normal Normal Low Normal High Low Temp. HighLow Temp. High Temp. Temp. and Temp. Temp. and Temp. Temp. and Temp. andLow Normal and High and Low Normal and High and Low Normal and High Ini-Humidity Humidity Humidity Humidity Humidity Humidity Humidity HumidityHumidity tial Y M C K Y M C K Y M C K Example 1 Good Good Good Good GoodGood A B B B B A B B B A B B B Example 2 Good Good Good Good Good Good AA A B B A B A B A A B A Example 3 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A A AB A A A B A A A B Example 4 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A A B B A AA B A A A A Example 5 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A A A B A A A B AA B B Example 6 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A B B B A A A B A A A BExample 7 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A A A B A A A A A A A BExample 8 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A A B B A A A B A A B BExample 9 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A A A B A A B B A A A BExample 10 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A A A B A A A B A A A AExample 11 Good Good Good Good Good Good A A A A B A A A B A A A BComparative Good Good Good Slight Good Good A C C D D B B C C B B B BExample 1 streaks Comparative Good Good Good Slight Good Good A A A B CA A A B A A A A Example 2 indistinct image Comparative Good Good GoodSlight Good Good A A A C C A A B B A A A B Example 3 indistinct imageComparative Good Good Good Slight Good Good A A B C C A A B B A A A BExample 4 indistinct image Comparative Good Good Slight Slight Good GoodA A A C C C C C D D D D D Example 5 image indistinct deletion imageBlade after 10,000 Prints Low Temp. and Normal Temp. and High Temp. andLow Humidity Normal Humidity High Humidity Example 1 Good Good GoodExample 2 Good Good Good Example 3 Good Good Good Example 4 Good GoodGood Example 5 Good Good Good Example 6 Good Good Good Example 7 GoodGood Good Example 8 Good Good Good Example 9 Good Good Good Example 10Good Good Good Example 11 Good Good Good Comparative Slight Good GoodExample 1 Breakage Comparative Slight Good Good Example 2 BreakageComparative Slight Good Good Example 3 Breakage Comparative Slight GoodGood Example 4 Breakage Comparative Slight Good Good Example 5 Breakage

As shown in FIG. 9, in the case of the image forming apparatus carryingthe electrophotographic photoreceptors of Examples 1 to 11, it wasconfirmed that the image quality, the surface state of thephotoreceptors and the state of the cleaning blades were good even after10,000 prints.

As described above, according to the invention, there can be providedthe electrophotographic photoreceptor which is sufficiently high instain resistance against a developing agent, a discharge product, etc.and in durability against a contact charger, a cleaning blade, etc., andfurther, which can prevent the occurrence of coating defects in theproduction thereof; and the process cartridge and the image formingapparatus which can provide good image quality for a long period oftime.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof.

1. An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a conductive supportand a photosensitive layer disposed on the conductive support, whereinthe photosensitive layer comprises a silicon compound-containing layercontaining a silicon compound, and the silicon compound-containing layerfurther contains a resin, and wherein the photosensitive layer has apeak area in the region of −40 to 0 ppm (S₁) and a peak area in theregion of −100 to −50 ppm (S₂) in a ²⁹Si-NMR spectrum satisfying thefollowing equation (1):S₁/(S₁+S₂)≧0.5  (1).
 2. The electrophotographic photoreceptor accordingto claim 1, wherein the silicon compound-containing layer is formed froma coating solution, and the resin contained in the siliconcompound-containing layer is a resin soluble in a liquid component inthe coating solution used for formation of the siliconcompound-containing layer.
 3. The electrophotographic photoreceptoraccording to claim 1, having a value of S₁/(S₁+S₂) in formula (1) of 0.6or more.
 4. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1,wherein the silicon compound contains two or more silicon atoms in itsmolecule.
 5. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1,wherein the silicon compound-containing layer contains at least one ofsilicon-containing compounds represented by the following generalformulas (2) to (4) or a hydrolysate or hydrolytic condensate thereof:W¹(—SiR_(3−a)Q_(a))₂  (2)W²(-D-SiR_(3−a)Q_(a))_(b)  (3)SiR_(4−c)Q_(c)  (4) wherein W¹ represents a divalent organic group, W²represents an organic group derived from a compound having holetransport capability, R represents a member selected from the groupconsisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and a substituted orunsubstituted aryl group, Q represents a hydrolytic group, D representsa divalent group, a represents an integer of 1 to 3, b represents aninteger of 2 to 4, and c represents an integer of 1 to
 4. 6. Theelectrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 5, wherein thenumber of silicon atoms derived from the silicon-containing compoundsrepresented by the following general formulas (2) to (4) in the siliconcompound-containing layer satisfies the following equation (5):(N_(a=3)+N_(c≧3))/N_(total)≦0.5  (5) wherein N_(a=3) represents thenumber of silicon atoms derived from —SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) of the siliconcompound represented by general formula (2) or (3) in which a is 3,N_(c≧3) represents the number of silicon atoms derived from the siliconcompound represented by general formula (4) in which c is 3 or 4, andN_(total) represents the total of the number of silicon atoms derivedfrom —SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) of the silicon compound represented by generalformula (2) or (3) and the number of silicon atoms derived from thesilicon compound represented by general formula (4).
 7. Theelectrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein thesilicon compound-containing layer contains a compound which is thesilicon compound represented by general formula (3) wherein W² is anorganic group represented by the following general formula (6), or ahydrolysate or hydrolytic condensate thereof:

wherein Ar¹, Ar², Ar³ and Ar⁴, which may be the same or different, eachrepresents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, Ar⁵ represents asubstituted or unsubstituted aryl or arylene group, k represents 0 or 1,and at least one of Ar¹ to Ar⁵ has a bonding hand to connect with-D-SiR_(3−a)Q_(a) in general formula (3).
 8. The electrophotographicphotoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the siliconcompound-containing layer further contains at least one kind of fineparticles.
 9. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim8, wherein the fine particles contain a silicon atom or a fluorine atom.10. A process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographicphotoreceptor; and at least one of: a developing unit for developing anelectrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographicphotoreceptor to form a toner image; and a cleaning unit for removingtoner remaining on the electrophotographic photoreceptor after transferof the toner image, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptorcomprises a conductive support and a photosensitive layer disposed onthe conductive support, wherein the photosensitive layer comprises asilicon compound-containing layer containing a silicon compound, and thesilicon compound-containing layer further contains a resin, and whereinthe photosensitive layer has a peak area in the region of −40 to 0 ppm(S₁) and a peak area in the region of −100 to −50 ppm (S₂) in a ²⁹Si-NMRspectrum satisfying the following equation (1):S₁/(S₁+S₂)≧0.5  (1).
 11. An image forming apparatus comprising: anelectrophotographic photoreceptor; a charging unit for charging theelectrophotographic photoreceptor; an exposing unit for exposing thecharged electrophotographic photoreceptor to form an electrostaticlatent image; a developing unit for developing the electrostatic latentimage to form a toner image; a transfer unit for transferring the tonerimage to a medium to which the toner image is to be transferred; and acleaning unit for removing toner remaining on the electrophotographicphotoreceptor after the transfer of the toner image, wherein theelectrophotographic photoreceptor comprises a conductive support and aphotosensitive layer disposed on the conductive support, wherein thephotosensitive layer comprises a silicon compound-containing layercontaining a silicon compound, and the silicon compound-containing layerfurther contains a resin, and wherein the photosensitive layer has apeak area in the region of −40 to 0 ppm (S₁) and a peak area in theregion of −100 to −50 ppm (S₂) in a ²⁹Si-NMR spectrum satisfying thefollowing equation (1):S₁/(S₁+S₂)≧0.5  (1).
 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim11, wherein the transfer unit is an intermediate transfer body fortemporarily transferring the toner image formed on theelectrophotographic photoreceptor.
 13. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 12, having a plurality of electrophotographicphotoreceptors arranged along the intermediate transfer body.